Nikon 200mm f/4.0 overview

With a long telephoto focal length and 1:1 macro capability, the AF Micro-NIKKOR 200mm f/4D IF-ED Lens from Nikon is a unique and versatile optic. A prime lens designed for the FX format, it will provide the telephoto reach to bring distant objects close but is also able to create a 1:1 magnification for life-size close-ups at a minimum focus distance of 1.6'. Also compatible with DX format DSLRs, it offers a 300mm focal length equivalence on crop sensor cameras. A-M Mode Switch provides easy transition between auto and manual focus and a manual aperture ring is supported.

Two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements reduce chromatic aberrations, with high contrast and sharper imaging. Internal focusing means only the internal lens group shifts during focusing which improves handling and focusing operation, especially when operating at close distance to your subject. Nikon's Close Range Correction System improves focusing and overall image quality at close focus distances, ideal with a macro capable lens. A very wide focus ring enables precise manual focus control without taking your eye off of your subject and a rotatable tripod collar is integrated for better support.

This lens' autofocus function is compatible with Nikon DSLRs featuring a built-in autofocus motor. It will not support auto focusing when used with certain DSLRs that do not have an integrated focus motor, such as the D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D5000, D5100, D5200, and D5300.

Nikon 200mm f/4.0 reviews

AF Micro-NIKKOR 200mm f/4D IF-ED Lens is rated
4.8 out of
5 by
87.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Studio Fuentes from
The Absolute BestI cannot say enough good things about this lens. I bought the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED because this lens wasn't available. It was a good lens and did the job, but there were issues with framing subjects because the size changed significantly while macro focusing. Capturing a flying bee or butterfly with this 200mm is a snap. This lens is sharp, the focus ring can be locked so that it stays in the normal range or so that it only focuses within the micro range. An option that should be standard on all micro lenses. I waited well over six months for this lens to become available. It was well worth it. The time I spent with other micro lenses have allowed me to truly appreciate this lens.

Date published: 2012-05-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
John from
Simply incredible, a classicNikon surely ticked all the boxes for this lens...great working distance for skittish bugs, 1:1 macro, aperture ring, ultra-sharp, negligible distortion, well-controlled diffraction at small apertures, spectacular manual focus ring both functionally and ergonomically, heavy-duty build quality, flexible tripod mount, and an all-mechanical design that will still be working perfectly 100 years from now...a true heirloom. I have also found other great purposes for this lens, such as shooting large detailed panoramas from a tripod...this might be the very best Nikon lens for this purpose. It is also fun to use for landscape shots in which one really wants to stop down and compress space. Or for getting in close for sharp portraits of faces or other objects.

Date published: 2016-09-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Bill from
One of the best Nikon lenses everI bought this lens way back when it first came out and just purchased a second to replace the first after 20-plus years of heavy use. The technology is old but the optics are second-to-none. Auto focus and VR are irrelevant in macro photography as this lens performs at its best when tripod-mounted. It excels at any close-up photography but it really shines when you need that 200mm working distance with subjects like insects or low-growing wildflowers. And the newer, higher megapixel Nikons are finally able to maximize the resolving power of this lens. If you're a nature photographer and you have this lens in your camera bag, a dew-covered field in the early morning will become like a national park in terms of subject matter to shoot.

Date published: 2015-05-30

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Pete D from
Great long Macro from NikonI've owned this lens for several years. This is the lens that stays of my camera most of the time, because I do a lot of macro photography. I didn't realize just how sharp this lens was until I compared it to some other 200 mm lenses I have. I will say that this lens flares quite horribly when I shoot towards the sun. I always use the (unfortunately not included) hood, but a hood only helps when it shades the front element. Shooting back lighted subjects is not a good idea with this one. I have to give this lens a five star rating because when I do everything right, the results are truly five star.

Date published: 2011-01-21

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Truly wonderful macro lensPrimary use is macro photography. The lens is incredibly sharp and very easy to manually focus. I use live view on my D300 and a Kirk focusing rail when doing fine work often with Kenko tubes and sometimes with the addition of a close up lens. The 200 will focus down to 1-1 subject to sensor ratio by itself. With the extension tubes and close up lens I can get to better than 2-1. Auto focus works well in decent light but can hunt if the light is dim. Since I usually use manual focus this has not been a problem for me.

Date published: 2010-03-08

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Fantastic lensThis is an unbelievable macro lens. Sharp wide open and a perfect focal length for bugs, flowers and anything in between. Fantastic portrait lens, and also has a great tripod collar. The only negative I can say is the somewhat slower AF, however I don't use AF for macro and the manual focus on this lens is perfectly dampened. The build quality is the best there is. I have the Sigma 150, which I like a lot, but nowhere near as much as the 200 Nikkor. Five plus stars!!!!!

Date published: 2010-02-02

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Len from
Fantastic lens!!I use this absolutely fantastic lens for macro and general photography purposes. When this lens is in stock, get it. Don't even think about it. Just get it. It produces some of the most consistently beautiful shots of any Nikkor lens I own. I think I read in another review that the autofocus for this lens is slow. Somewhat true if you trying to go from focusing on a bug and then trying to focus on a baseball player, for example. If you are using this lens for anything that needs super fast autofocus you are using the wrong lens anyway. Just go to manual focus mode, get it close to where you want it, go back to autofocus mode and let the camera do its thing if you must. I find this technique works really well for me. Like I said, just get this lens. The smile will not leave your face when you see your results!

Date published: 2009-07-06

Rated 5 out of
5 by
RT from
Best in ClassI've used various macro lenses over the years including the Nikon 105mm and the Sigma 180mm. I was always hesitant to invest in this lens as it is an old design without some of the new bells and whistles that more recent Nikon lenses have. After using this lens for a few weeks I can see that I was mistaken not to have gotten it sooner. I can't imagine that an update could improve this lens. It is amazingly sharp and built like a tank. The build quality reminds me of lenses from the 70's and 80's. Autofocus works well on cameras with an autofocus motor but with macro I'm usually using manual focus. It obviously doesn't have VR but again with macro this is not a feature that I use. The collar is solid although I did add a RRS plate so as to be able to use a macro focusing rail. Focal length is great for portraits, etc but first and foremost this is a serious macro lens for serious macro work! In my opinion it is best in class!